Ron Galella

Divine and Grace Jones at Grace Jones’ birthday party, Studio 54, New York

1978

Through these photos, Galella ( 1931 - 2022 ) presents the life of Warhol, his entourage and the places he frequented, in the form of a visual diary. The term Paparazzo (Italian for “pest”) accurately defines Ron Galella, the man who built his reputation by photographing celebrities on the spot, often in private moments. Famous for his restraining order against Jackie Onassis, Galella was one of Andy Warhol's favorite photographers, who shared his fascination for celebrities of all stripes. “It was Andy Warhol who introduced me to Ron Galella. Andy loved Ron in his own complex way. He'd say, 'Well, this is, uh, Ron Galella. The best photographer”. When people stared at this ordinary-looking guy decked out in paparazzo gear, with his suburban accent and rumpled suit, they thought Andy was making fun of Galella. But it wasn't mockery at all. Andy really liked Galella. I think Warhol identified with a celebrity-loving, persevering and atypically perfectionist Ron. I can also imagine that Andy admired the courage of this ordinary guy, who didn't hesitate to put himself at risk in order to get close to the likes of Jackie Onassis, in constant search of the exceptional image. Andy Warhol saw in Galella a quality that eluded the average person: he was an exceptional photographer. For Andy Warhol, Galella was not a voyeur or a madman, but simply the best paparazzi. He was an artist in a field not recognized as art. Andy had a weakness for that too. I think his eye saw the greatest forbidden portrait photographer of our time.” Portrait of Ron Galella by Glen O'Brien.